Big and Small, Things and Differences

Note that the "quadrants" are not the same as the mathematical quadrants, so don't get confused!

There are 4 types of things summarized in this diagram:

1. Small things that make a small difference
2. Big things that make a small difference
3. Big things that make a big difference
4. Small things that make a big difference

Now, as logical people, we can tell which is the "best."  The red square (2) is not very good, the blue squares (1, 3) are OK, and the green square (4) is good.

We'll approach these in numerical order (with color!):

1. Surface things.  Things that don't really mean much, but don't take much to do.  Like making your bed. To some, this may mean a lot (and to mothers).  To others, it may not really do anything.  Maybe not making your bed is even better (old article about this)!  Or, using a bookmark instead of putting the book upside-down so that it doesn't damage the spine.  Or, making sure all your pencils are sharpened (might as well, use a mechanical pencil, right?).  The list goes on and on.  Anything that doesn't require much of an effort that doesn't give much in return.  Should you do these?  If you want to.
2. Nobody likes these.  Things that you work hard for to accomplish not-so-much.  Buying expensive top-of-the-line stuff makes this list.  Especially technology products.  Buy mid-end now because this year's top-notch will be next years mid-range.  For those who have money to burn, that's another story.  Overly meticulous cleaning is also too much, unless you have OCD, are inviting the President to dinner, or are paid to do exactly that.  Another thing is creating a blog that nobody reads (haha... chirp, chirp... silence...).  Point is, avoid this!
3. Doing big things to get big results.  How about donating $1,000,000 to fight world hunger?  Or going around the world to promote world peace?  It's quite hard to do this for normal people.  I can't say I have done any of this.  I'd say that the people who CAN do this SHOULD do this.  More realistically, how about learning how to play an instrument?  Or how about learning how to program (see Learn to Program!)?
4. This is what matters most!  This is the main point!  If we take a look around us, we can see so many small things we can do that make a difference!  I'm sure there are many millions of pages on the Internet describing this, but here are a few that stand out to me (in no particular order):
   
1. Volunteering.  There are so many places and opportunities for everyone to volunteer and give back to the community. A local hospital or children's camp would welcome volunteers.  Giving a few hours of your time could mean a lot to someone else who needs it a lot more than you do.
2. Talk to those you are close to.  This doesn't mean just saying "Hi" and "How are you" when you pass them in the hallway.  It means actually carrying on a conversation with them.  It doesn't have to be super-deep or anything.  It just shows that you care (and that they care about you!).
3. Get some sleep.  Take a nap or go to bed early.  In the modern world, everyone is working so much, nobody has any spare time (but perhaps enough to finish reading this post?) and getting sleep is healthy!
4. Read a good book.  Or join a book club.  Reading something deep or a classic every once in a while is probably not a bad idea.  Of course we love our sci-fi thrillers and our murder mysteries, but how about a bit of Toni Morrison on racial equality?  These books may seem like a pain to get through at times, but in the end, you will gain a new perspective on life (and you could seem smarter =P )!
5. Being neat.  Throwing away a candy wrapper instead of dropping it on the floor or spitting out your gum instead of sticking it under the table (super annoying!) is a great idea.  Being neat enough (not to be overdone) can probably improve your efficiency and lift the mood since everything looks neater.  Unless you're like me, and enjoy the messiness.  The problem, however, is that lost things are REALLY lost.  So, take that extra second to throw away your chips bag or RECYCLE useless papers lying around.
6. Turning off the lights.  This can save energy, the environment, and your costs.  Hmm... if this were a habit, then you would basically be doing good for no effort on your side!  How great!
7. Don't pretend to be smart.  Sometimes, other people are right, and you're not.  As much as we hate to say it, we're all wrong sometimes.  Don't try to be that guy/gal who knows everything when he/she doesn't.  We all know somebody like this.  It's OK to say that you don't actually know.  Of course, you're an expert at something, and in that subject, others should listen to you!
8. "Getting out of the Stone Age."  This means being at least somewhat up-to-date with technology.  Of course it's hard to keep up with the ever-changing tech products, but spending a little to update your computer or even your 10-year-old toaster may be a good idea.  When your flickering old CRT monitor is hurting your eyes or your toast is constantly burned, it's probably a warning sign.  This doesn't mean you should go out and buy the latest new gadgets (see Quadrant 2), but you may want to invest in an upgrade (like a new monitor; see LED vs. LCD).  Besides, who doesn't like the new slick feeling of a fast computer and the crunchy taste of well-made toast?
9. Listen to other people.  Sometimes, all somebody else needs is someone else who will listen.  So, you should try to be that someone else every once in a while (or more frequently).  So I take this opportunity to thank you for listening to me by reading this blog.
10. Forgive.  This is maybe not an easy thing to do, depending on what happened.  But in small cases, maybe a minor insult or something, it should be easier to forgive the offending party.  Although the other person might not show it, he/she feels much better on the inside.  Think you're being weak apologizing?  Think again.  If it's so difficult, only the strong can do it, right?  Plus, you're being the better man.  Next time, it'll be easier for him/her to forgive you.

A lot of the small things that make big differences have to do with you helping other people.  Moral of the story?  Keep others in mind!